André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Ann-Marie Fuller has taken on a new meaning to being saved, sanctified and Holy Ghost filled. These days each sentence she utters mentions the saving grace and wonderful blessings she has received from her Lord and Saviour. With that in mind, the only chance of seeing her perform again in the theatre is if she gets a gospel script.

"It is up to the timing of God. I am just here hoping and praying. I know not my own; it's not just about Ann-Marie. It is up to the Lord. This is whatthe country needs," Fuller said.

Saved 15 years ago

Fuller, who starred in many local plays, vanished from the theatre scene when she got saved 15 years ago. After quoting just about every scripture in the Bible, she made reference to one in which she said she became a new creature and could no longer participate in theatre as she knew it. While she was always a principled person, acts of immorality around her would not have meshed with her new walk.

The moment could soon arrive when she returns with the intention of "winning souls", as opposed to tickling them. Another passage of scripture that the 'Holy Ghost-filled' Fuller is taking to heart is one that says "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". There is no script in her hands, but she knows it is coming.

"I am sure prayer can move all mountains ... When God is on your side you fear nothing. I want to see people filling up the Arena and people falling in the Holy Ghost. I want to see people finding the joy and peace that I have found," she said. "I would not exchange what I have found for anything in the world."

Fuller explained it was quite challenging to walk away from something she had become good at. It was not clear to her what direction she would be taking, but she never stopped trusting God.

"God is so good. When I just got out of theatre, things were so bad with me because the Lord was trying to see what was in me. Now it is like I am on top of a mountain, God is so good," she said.

Others sceptical

As can be expected, those around Fuller were sceptical about how long she would stay on the narrow road to heaven and out of the company of other theatre greats such as Oliver Samuels and Glen Campbell. The doubts should be at rest by now.

Also, not impressed by what she sees taking place in mainstream theatre, there is absolutely no intention for her to return to that stage. This is even after being offered many roles.

"The theatre I am seeing now is different from my time. People are just doing it for the money," she said. Fuller is now living what she considers a "comfortable life". Her seven-year-old son, Abraham, and marriage only serve as testament to the blessings she has received.

Fuller has a lingering dream to run a place of refuge for the destitute, which she is asking the public's assistance in bringing to life. As for her own financial situation, she operates a thrift store and also benefits from other investments she said she has made.

In spite of being an American citizen, Fuller is committed to remaining in Jamaica to see her vision for winning souls happen.

"About two years ago I was sick, but the Lord said I shall not die, but live and declare the work of the Lord," she said.